President Dr. Joseph Joyner inducted into Hall of Fame

May 14, 2018

Flagler College President Dr. Joseph Joyner was inducted into the Orange County Public Schools Hall of Fame’s third class as a ‘distinguished educator’ in a ceremony on Saturday, May 5 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.

The central Florida public school system began in 2014 recognizing graduates of distinction, educators and community leaders. Proceeds from the Hall of Fame event provides STEM enrichment for students within the district.

Previously inducted classes have included a variety of notable people: a White House appointee, Miss America Ericka Dunlap, World Series champion Johnny Damon and astronaut John Young. This year’s class included three other alumni and a ‘Community Champion’ in Senator Mel Martinez.

Joyner, Colonial High class of 1973, was recognized for his servant leadership to the cause of educational advancement. Before his presidential appointment at the college, Joyner served as Superintendent of St. Johns County Schools where he was named Florida Superintendent of the Year by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. He has been recognized by several community groups for his service, including by the Salvation Army with the A.H. Gus Craig Award.

He began teaching in 1977 in Alabama before accepting a position back home in Orange County. He was appointed principal of Apopka High School in 1989 and during his tenure the school received a National School of Excellence designation from the U.S. Department of Education.

“I watched all those people and I wanted to be like them,” Joyner said in his acceptance speech about the teachers and mentors in his early life who gave him chances as a young professional. “Orange County Public Schools created the foundation of my leadership…and it created what I am as a servant leader.”

College Trustees in attendance included Mitch Walk, David Drysdale and Frank Upchurch, III.

For more information on the OCPS Hall of Fame, please visit their website.